On World Health Day 2023, Sugandh Ahluwalia, Chief Strategy Officer, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi talks about Universal Health Coverage and role of cohesive collaborations in achieving its goal
Time is running short. India has set a target to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030 under its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, the country also aspires to become a developed country by 2047 or India@100 and surely to achieve this target a healthy India would be a very powerful catalyst. Universal Health Coverage aims at providing equitable access to quality healthcare services without the risk of financial hardship. And the goal can be achieved with cohesive collaborations between all stakeholders including private and public healthcare providers, governments, regulators, financial institutions, health insurers, and others. India needs to catch up fast as there is much to do in the next seven years to overcome all challenges.
Is ‘Right to Health’ the right way?
Recently, Rajasthan’s healthcare services went for a toss with strikes and protests by doctors from private as well as public sectors as the state government’s good intention to introduce the ‘Right to Health’ Bill without wider consultation defied the main principle of cohesive collaboration. The bill states that every resident of the state will have the right to emergency treatment and care “without prepayment” at any “public health institution, health care establishment and designated health care centers.”
It is widely acknowledged that such legislations aim to provide universal access to healthcare services to all citizens of India. The Rajasthan Bill seeks to establish a framework for the regulation of healthcare providers, facilities, and services in both the public and private sectors. But major concerns have been raised as provisions without wider consultations and consensus would put restrictions on their operations. Private healthcare providers are also concerned about the potential impact of the act on their profitability as the cost of operations is too high.
India needs rational regulations and policies which could play a crucial role in achieving our target of universal health coverage by 2030. Cohesive collaboration would pave the way for providing access to quality healthcare services to all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background, and help to reduce health inequalities and improve overall health outcomes in the country.
Call for collaborations
Coming together of several stakeholders with their innovative models and a common goal can be termed as cohesive collaborative. There is huge potential for such collaborations in the healthcare sector as it comprises patients, providers, diagnostics, medical technology & devices, insurance, digital health, regulators, and investors among others. Hence, a collaborative approach can meet the challenges of the rising dual disease burden in the country. As per the industry estimates, only the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) burden is expected to cost India $ 6 trillion by 2030. Along with the NCDs, India is also facing challenges to deal with Communicable diseases such as COVID-19, Influenza, and others. Financial implications are huge and that can be addressed with a focus on both preventive and curative healthcare systems. The main aim should be bridging the vital gaps in service delivery.
The private sector has proven its mettle in providing quality healthcare to people. It has been significantly reducing the heavy burden on public health institutions. It can also a crucial role in achieving UHC. Governments can engage the private sector in the provision of health services, especially in areas where public services are inadequate. This can be done through public-private partnerships or by encouraging the private sector with promotional policies to ensure quality services are provided.
Insurance: An enabler par excellence
Universal health insurance can be a powerful enabler in achieving the target of Universal Health Coverage. At present, low insurance coverage results in excessive out-of-pocket spending for healthcare services. For effective population health management, the government must implement mandatory health insurance in a phased manner, including coverage for self-employed professionals and others who are currently excluded. The fact that health insurance is optional is a major reason why it has not been able to reach a wider scale in India. Although the weaker section has been covered through Health Insurance Schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojna (PMJAY) and other schemes introduced by state governments, achieving better results would require mandatory health insurance coverage for all citizens.
Accessibility and affordability
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), UHC includes access to essential health services such as preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services, as well as access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines and vaccines. Access to quality healthcare services is a fundamental human right. However, many people around the world are denied this right due to various factors, such as lack of finances, inadequate health infrastructure, and poor service delivery. UHC seeks to address these issues by ensuring that everyone has access to essential health services without experiencing financial hardships. This is critical in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Improving health outcomes has a multiplier effect on poverty eradication, economic growth, and social development.
Another crucial strategy for achieving UHC is by strengthening health systems. This includes the provision of health infrastructure, essential medicines, skilled health workers, and adequate financing mechanisms. Private sector providers have been investing hugely in health infrastructure and ensuring that health workers are well-equipped and motivated to provide quality services.
The way forward
Achieving UHC is critical to promoting equitable access to quality healthcare services. It is a fundamental human right and a key pillar in achieving the SDGs. Governments and stakeholders must put in place measures that ensure everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographical location, has access to essential health services. This can be achieved through the expansion of health insurance coverage, strengthening of health systems, promotion of preventive and primary healthcare, and engagement of the private sector. We must all work together to achieve UHC so that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a healthier, more productive, and prosperous society.
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